FAQs

This is my first time working with a rehabilitation therapy office. What does it take to be qualified as a rehabilitation professional?

Animal rehabilitation professionals are veterinarians or (human) physical therapists who complete a year or more of specialized training to become certified in rehabilitation therapy. Additionally, they must submit detailed case reports for review, and participate in a hands-on internship. At RMVR, our staff is led by Dr. Karyn Fein, a veterinarian with 20 years of general and emergency veterinarian experience plus training and certification in rehabilitation from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. Our allied care professionals have also undergone supervised training and/or have earned certifications in their respective fields. Learn more about our team here.

Will you become our new veterinarian?
No. Although our rehabilitation services are led and supervised by a veterinarian, we do not provide general care such as annual exams or vaccinations. While your pet is under our care, we update and consult with your primary and/or specialty veterinarians. And we follow-up: If we haven’t seen you for a while, we may contact your vet to make sure your pet continues to enjoy their quality of life.
My pet is not good at the veterinarian’s office. Can I still bring her to RMVR?
Absolutely. Our staff will work with you to find a way to make your visits comfortable and fun for your pet. Please bring any favorite toys or treats with you. For pets that are nervous about a detailed examination (e.g., being handled/touched for 30-60 minutes), we will modify the evaluation to be as hands-off as possible, and we will focus more on things you can do at home to help your pet. If you are concerned or have any specific questions, please contact us.
What should I bring with me?
Please take the time to fill out our online intake form (emailed to you when you schedule your first appointment) which provides us with most of the information we need. It will ask you to detail your pet’s current health status. If your pet’s condition is intermittent or evolving (such as a change in their gait or trouble getting up), a brief video taken with your phone is very helpful, along with a list of medications, supplements, and information about your pet’s diet.
How much does rehabilitation therapy cost?

Our rates vary depending on where your pet receives care and who administers it (veterinarian, rehab specialist, physical therapist, veterinary technician). Generally, rates are tied to appointment length. Here are some typical charges:

  • Initial evaluation and treatment ($170 – $250)
  • Follow-up visit with veterinarian ($128 – $145)
  • Physical therapist follow-up ($95 – $128)
  • Rehab treatments with veterinary technician ($56 – $77)

Please ask about military and package discounts.

How many visits will my pet need?
Every pet has different needs, depending on the severity of their condition, their age, and the amount of time you put into your pet’s home exercise program. Most animals require about eight weeks to build strength, so we put together custom treatment programs for that amount of time, portions of which are completed at home. We will go over options with you at the initial evaluation to make sure our treatment plan fits your family’s schedule and budget. Some treatment therapies must happen in our office (like acupuncture), while others, like therapeutic exercise, massage, and laser may start in the office, but migrate to your home as you become more comfortable with treatments.
Do you take pet insurance?

The American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians provides a list of covered services by selected insurance companies (updated July 2019). Please be sure to check your specific policy as we begin working together.

I’ve already taken my pet to a number of specialists with varying results. How do I know if rehabilitation therapy is right for our family?
Feel free to contact us. Oftentimes, we begin our relationship with a brief phone consultation to understand more about your pet and whether our services are a good match for you. We understand how hard it is to feel like you’ve already done so much with insufficient results. But we’ve seen animals transform under our care from being immobile and painful to running again (with gradual, systemic care, of course). We take the time to secure and review your pet’s full veterinary records and contact your specialists to make sure we have a complete picture of what’s happening (and to see what tests have already been run). Overall, we are dedicated to improving your pet’s quality of life whether we’re managing post-surgical care or helping a senior enjoy increased mobility with less pain.
I have an agility dog that does double duty on a local farm. Can you help me keep him fit?
Yes, we love to work with animal athletes. We offer cardiovascular training, massage, acupuncture, and a whole group of therapies to boost your pup’s physical and mental abilities when they count the most.
What species do you treat?
In addition to treating dogs and cats, we will treat most anything that can be picked up by one person that is also used to being handled. We have worked with rabbits, ferrets, small rodents, and reptiles including snakes, turtles, and lizards. If tame, we will also see hedgehogs and sugar gliders. If you have a question about a specific species, please call or email us to ask.